1) High Cost of School Uniforms- Uniforms are not cheap and this is a good reason to be against school uniforms. Because children are constantly growing, there is a captive market for new school clothes and manufacturers take advantage. However, large volume manufacturers are producing very cheap clothing for younger pupils at the moment so this argument against school uniforms may not stand up to too much scrutiny. 4) Freedom of Expression is stifled by School Uniforms- A uniform breeds uniformity. We need free thinking children to become the thinkers of tomorrow, not drones who will continue making the mistakes of pervious generations. When we argue against school uniforms we argue against an education system that seeks to produce workers and for an education system that seeks to produce enlightened fully rounded human beings. 3) School Uniforms do not cut down on bullying - No matter what you dress students in, they will always find a way to pass judgment upon their peers. The clothes are not the root cause of bullying and therefore the bullying will continue, regardless of dress policy. No matter what clothing rules apply, students will always find ways to pass judgment upon each other. Also allowing students to choose between a blue and red polo shirt doesn't reduce gangs. Also gangs don't have to show their colors to engage in activities. My source is http://www.angelfire.com...

The first point that my opponent brings up is that school uniforms are too expensive, particularly as children grow out of them. This is simply not true, especially when the uniforms are basic. In fact, according to experts, uniform prices cannot drop any further while still maintaining a profit. In the UK, one can purchase an entire school uniform for less than �5, approximately $8 US currency. When compared to designer clothing, one can see that an entire outfit for $8 is much less likely to break the bank than a $50 pair of jeans. In addition to the already low price, most schools that require uniforms will provide them for free to students who are unable to afford them.

My opponent also argues that individuality and freedom of expression are compromised by uniforms. My counter-point is: The clothes do not make the person. If a student cannot be an individual without altering his or her physical appearance, then that student has no real individuality to speak of. When everybody wears the same thing, personality tends to become the distinguishing factor. A student who is required to wear a uniform may indeed come out of the experience with more developed individuality in non-physical facets. Schools with uniforms are also required to make exceptions for clothing worn for religious beliefs and some even let students opt out of the uniform altogether.

My opponent is under the impression that school uniforms will not cut down bullying among students, but with a little logical thought and statistics from previous studies I believe I can prove otherwise. First, my thought process. With school uniforms, students are unable to tell by sight which students are wealthy and which are poor. Since two of the main reasons students are bullied are appearance and social status, it follows that minimizing these factors in the school environment will also minimize bullying. Now for the statistics. The Long Beach unified school district in California mandated school uniforms in 1994 and in just 5 years saw significant results. Regarding the school system, crime rates dropped 91%, school suspensions dropped 90%, sex offences dropped 96%, and vandalism dropped 69%. These results may be in part because students feel more business-like in a uniform and are able to stay more school-oriented.

I thank my opponent for his engaging argument and look forward to our next round of debate. My sources are as follows.

Since my opponent has forfeited this round as well, I will take this opportunity to bring up more good points about school uniforms.

First, school uniforms are a blessing for parents when it comes to getting the kids ready in the morning. Instead of spending a good 20 minutes trying on half the closet in the morning, a child can go directly to the uniform without feeling that his or her clothing is inadequate. There's no "these pants make me look fat" or "so-and-so is wearing the newest designer labels, why can't I?" Uniforms also contribute to a more professional look that helps children feel that school is important. Just as play-clothes make children think it's play time, work clothes make children think it's work time.

Additionally, uniforms save school officials time and effort. Instead of policing the halls for indecent amounts of cleavage, back, and butt, school officials would be able to put their time towards more practical and academic purposes. And since it's fairly easy to spot an orange T-shirt amidst a sea of blue ones, it will be much easier to identify the people who do not belong on school grounds or to identify who belongs where on school fieldtrips. Overall, uniforms contribute to a safer and more efficient school system.

Obvious win for Pro, since Con forfeited after the first round of arguments.

School uniforms cost less because in the alternative too many students chase trendy fashions. Parents in Baltimore were strongly of that opinion. While few teenagers believe it, they need to learn focus and discipline much more than need to express individuality. 99% of the time, their supposed individuality is conforming with some fad. A uniform helps engender a focused attitude. There is a reason why Darth Vader didn't wear Hawaiian shirts.